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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: The Mad Hatter on June 12, 2008, 05:31:00 pm

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: The Mad Hatter on June 12, 2008, 05:31:00 pm

Ok, i mentioned on another post that my alternator belt was slipping.  I've tightened it as much as i could, and took it for a drive.   Well, the tach was bouncing around a bunch, and would go completely to zero when i step on the brake.  At 60mph, it was hanging around 2000-2400rpm.   But, when i turned on my turn signal, the tach went from whereever it was to zero, then back to where it was, then back to zero, in time with the turn signal.  I turned on the headlights and it went to zero and stayed there.  It's not done this before.  The only reason i'm messing with it is because the alternator belt broke, and i had to come up with one to fit.  It's TIGHT on there, the Water pump/crank belt is a little loose, but not bad.  I'm out of ideas on this!  Thanks for any help!!!!

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: jimfoo on June 12, 2008, 05:52:20 pm

I'd take the alternator to get tested.

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: g-spec on June 13, 2008, 09:38:32 am

If this is in a mkIII, your cluster is on its way out!!!! I had a similar problem....eventually your speedo and tach will most likely stop working. Try and get another cluster and test it out!!!!

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: DonGTI on June 13, 2008, 10:53:40 am

both jimfoo and G are correct... so probably best if first you eliminate the alternator cos its cheapest fix then to the hard and headachey cluster replacement

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: g-spec on June 13, 2008, 12:05:20 pm

There is a guy here in London that repairs the clusters. I  had mine done...and it is a lot cheaper than replacing.
If it turns out the alternator is fine hit me up and Ill try and get you his contact info.

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: The Mad Hatter on June 13, 2008, 12:38:44 pm

Unfortunately, my car is a MKII, an 85 Diesel Golf to be exact.  I'm pulling the alt out tomorrow and having it checked.

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: The Mad Hatter on June 14, 2008, 05:16:47 pm

Had the Alt. tested today, it was putting out less than it should.  A new one is on order for tomorrow.  Hoprfully that and me tightening the bottom belt today with the alt out will fix the funky issues.

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: riddleyo on June 16, 2008, 01:25:52 pm

I have that problem. Exact same car, MK2 85 Diesel Golf.

I am currently rebuilding the alternator and I hope that will fix it. There is also a voltage component on the cluster that you can check. My bentley describes it but taking the cluster out is a pain.

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: The Mad Hatter on June 16, 2008, 04:03:50 pm

My new alternator fixed the problem completely, riddleyo.  I hope it works for you too!

Title: Perhaps the strangest thing i've seen in a car...
Post by: Op-Ivy on June 16, 2008, 09:52:25 pm

That's what I heard from someone else on the forums with the same problem.

I have this problem too. WTB Alternator!  :P